Update On NJPW Negotiations Prior To Roku Channel Deal

We reported yesterday that NJPW signed a big broadcasting deal with Roku Channel with a weekly one-hour series set to air starting February 11, 2021, in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that NJPW had also talked with ESPN and VICE prior to their deal with Roku Channel.

Talks with other networks fell through due to viewership not being that great when the show was on AXS TV. Their deal with Roku isn't exclusive so if they manage to increase viewership they may be able to secure other broadcasting deals down the line.

The report also notes there was some interest from CBS Sports Network, but there wasn’t any money offered, just an advertising split. CBS Sports Network also no longer subscribes to Nielsen.